Library Board approves architect for new Karl Road Branch

Library Board approves architect for new Karl Road Branch

COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library’s (CML) Board of Trustees today unanimously approved the selection of Moody•Nolan as the architect for the design of the new Karl Road Branch. Construction is expected to begin within the next two years.

Moody•Nolan previously served as architect in the design of CML’s new Parsons, Shepard and Martin Luther King branches.

The current Karl Road Branch, located at 5590 Karl Rd., was constructed in 1988 and has 20,000 square feet of space. When completed, the new building – to be built on the same site as the current branch – is expected to double in size to approximately 40,000 square feet.

The Karl Road Branch project is part of Phase II of CML’s aspirational building program to renovate or rebuild its aging and/or outgrown facilities. Phase II also includes transforming or upgrading CML’s Hilltop, Gahanna and Reynoldsburg branches.

CML is currently in the process of completing Phase I of this building program, which renovated or rebuilt 10 of its 23 libraries:

The new Driving Park Branch opened July 12, 2014

The new Whitehall Branch opened April 11, 2015

The new Parsons Branch opened June 4, 2016

The transformed Main Library opened June 25, 2016

The new Northern Lights Branch opened Sept. 24, 2016

The new Shepard Branch opened Oct. 13, 2016

The new Northside Branch opened June 22, 2017

The new Hilliard Branch opened June 21, 2018

The new Martin Luther King Branch opened Oct. 18, 2018

Construction is underway on a new Dublin Branch

CML has set out to have all 14 projects completed by 2024.

For more than 30 years, national design firm Moody•Nolan has been considered a leader in industry best practices and client satisfaction. Founded in 1982 by Curtis J. Moody, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP, and Howard E. Nolan, PE, the firm has won numerous national awards for its innovative, functional and aesthetically pleasing solutions to achieving client goals. With projects in 45 states, Moody•Nolan specializes in libraries, corporate, K-12 education, sports/recreation, collegiate/university, healthcare, housing/mixed-use and public service facilities. The firm is based in Columbus, Ohio, and operates seven regional offices. For more information, visit moodynolan.com.

CML understands that great libraries create stronger communities, and each branch is an essential hub that reflects the unique needs of the neighborhood it serves. Some of CML’s 21 locations are 40 to 50 years old and inadequate to meet the demands of a growing 21st century community. Demands and expectations will continue to grow, along with the population of Franklin County.

CML’s aspirational building program is the result of a community-wide process that will continue to serve the needs of Franklin County well into the future. The plan is a multi-phased comprehensive blueprint that reinvents and revitalizes the entire 600,000 square feet maintained by the library.

In addition to being a vital community asset, Columbus Metropolitan Library strives to minimize its environmental footprint. With each new building or renovation project, CML plans to use sustainable building materials, incorporate glass for natural light to reduce energy costs and introduce other design and building elements friendly to the natural environment.

Phase I of CML’s aspirational building program has transformed and significantly upgraded seven urban branches (Driving Park, Whitehall, Parsons, Martin Luther King, Northside, Northern Lights, Shepard) and two suburban branches (Hilliard and Dublin). In addition, changes to Main Library represented a major investment in downtown Columbus and the Discovery District.

Visit columbuslibrary.org for more information and to track progress of CML’s ambitious building program.

Columbus Metropolitan Library has served the people of Franklin County, Ohio since 1873. With its Main Library and 22 branches, CML is well known for signature services and programs like Homework Help Centers, Reading Buddies, Summer Reading Challenge and Ready for Kindergarten. The library’s Strategic Plan supports the vision of “a thriving community where wisdom prevails,” which positions CML to respond to areas of urgent need: kids unprepared for kindergarten, third grade reading proficiency, high school graduation, college and career readiness and employment resources.

CML was named a 2011 National Medal Winner by the Institute for Museum and Library Services for work in community service, the highest honor for libraries and museums. CML was also named 2010 Library of the Year by Library Journal.